Enroute to Peleliu
My Uncle Francis J. Poltrack wrote this last letter home on September 13, 1944 while aboard a troop ship. Just four days later he was killed in the Battle of Peleliu (codenamed Operation Stalemate II). The National Museum of the Marine Corps called it “the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines” – Source Wikipedia
Sept. 13, 1944
Dear People:
We have a sort of piano aboard this ship and manage to yell or sing a song or two… to the accompaniment of my two chords. The piano is a beat up affair and singing is more of a chore than anything, what with the perspiration running in rivers not rivulets.
There’s a Polish fellow aboard who plays darn good… and if the piano were in tune, and had bout twenty more strings and hammers, it would be on the beam. The classics he plays to the consternation of most of the Marines.
Things are pretty quiet and the exciting moments are those when we capture big casino or have a run in spades. Days are featured by chow call, and that about describes the moments at sea. Breakfast, dinner then supper and day is done. Sharrie, Andee you are hereby authorized to give Mom a kiss for me ’cause I am inconvenienced in that I must pay a call on some Japanese friends of mine (forced smile). And, Cholls, you keep that bowling arm in shape. Meanwhile, you all say “hello” to all — to the cousins, aunts and things. Owe Aunt Mary a letter, but won’t attempt one at this stage. For, it’s only a matter of days and then we’ll be where we were in the beginning which is mainly where we’ll be in the end. God bless you all.. and call Henry and company “Hello”
Frankie
NOTE: “Cholls” is Charlie Romako his brother-in-law, father to my cousins Sharrie and Andee.
Nice article for Memorial Day.